What's Coming in September?

Anyone else ready for Fall to finally show its head? We're still in the mid-90s with crazy humidity, but I'm snow dreaming. My mother used to sing Christmas songs around this time of year, claiming that the cool thoughts would help ease over the last hill into Autumn. While I don't believe I have any Christmas books this month...  Oh wait! There is one! But most are heading towards spookier thoughts as we slowly near October. Which is fine. I love mysteries, thrillers, and such reads, too. 

Looking at the pile, I'm going to be lighter on the young adult end and steer more toward picture books and middle grade. I have quite a few new releases and...this is really exciting...a couple interviews! There's some magic, some fantasy, some adventure, and a few nonfiction reads, too. Plus, all sorts of other things tossed in between.

I do try to stick to the schedule with the sneak peeks presented below but have found that this is getting tougher due to deliveries, release changes, life, and life again. So, please take these with a bit of flexibility in mind. 

Anyway, let's take a look at a few reads which are coming up the next month!

SPOOKY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

 

With Autumn slowly kicking in, thoughts of the upcoming holidays keep sneaking up on me. This read takes a look at various 'spooky' holidays around the world. I am curious to see what other countries do, since the only one I'm aware of is Halloween. So, I'm ready to learn something new. I'll be taking a look at this one right away, on the 1st.

Children's Nonfiction

EXIT NOWHERE

I'm sticking to spooky vibes and will be taking a look at a mystery with a paranormal twist. It takes place in a deserted manor, which comes to life when the sun goes down and holds all sorts of dangerous and scary games. This book also takes a peek at an odd group of friends, who need to learn to work together to figure things out...or so it seems. Anyway, grab those flashlight because I'm visiting this one on the 3rd.

Middle Grade Horror

DINOSAURS IN SPACE

Ready for pure fun and humor? I am, and that's why I'm excited to dive into these pages. This is one of three books, which chronicle the quirky adventures of this odd crew. I'm hoping to laugh and smile with this one on the 5th.

Picture Book

THE UNFINISHED

Of course, I'm not completely ignoring the young adult audience out there this month and have a spooky read for them, too. This one takes an Indian legend twist (it appears) and dives into the haunting of dark, murky water. Sounds a bit different, right? Well, if I understood this correctly, the heroine sees the eerie water everywhere. At the same time, people are disappearing. So, I'm expecting this one to head into creepy pure. Let's find out together on the 9th.

Young Adult Horror

I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS

WITH INTERVIEW!!!

I'm super excited about this one. Debbie Ridpath Ohi is not an unknown name in the picture book world, and I have enjoyed more than a few of her works. With the release of her latest, I've actually gotten the honor to have her pop by for an interview (well, not physically but you know what I mean). So, we're in for a real treat on the 12th!

Picture Book

THE GRIMTHORPE GRAVE

Grab that detective gear because this one heads off into mystery pure...and that fitting to the Autumn season! I do enjoy a good mystery and hope that this duo does a terrific job at discovering the truth. I really don't know much about it but find the cover more than a little inviting. Plus, it gives off a refreshing vibe. I'm ready to look for clues with these two on the 14th.

Middle Grade Mystery

WISH UPON A STREAMING STAR

I can't totally forget romance, can I? This read takes a look at the internet-stardom world and pits two, very different influencers in a game for tons of money. It should be an enemies to lovers tale, and I'm hoping it's packed with tension and a bit of humor, too. It's the first in a series, and I'll be taking a peek at it on the 17th.

Young Adult Romance

THE GREAT TURKEY WALK

Can't have a month without, at least, one graphic novel. This one caught my eye immediately. It comes from an already popular tale and transforms it into visual form. It's about a boy, his dog, and a ton of turkeys...which sounds absolutely amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing what this adventure holds on the 21st.

Middle Grade Historical

PRUNELLA

Not only did the picture catch my attention (see those Venus Flytraps?), but the tale sounds interesting. It's about a young girl, whose purple thumb saves a garden...or something like that. It might hold spooky vibes? Or it might be bittersweet? Maybe, there's a little emotional twist? We'll find out on the 26th.

Picture Book

TALES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

Written by an Egyptologist, this book promises to bring Egyptian myths and legends to life. This isn't my strongest area, so I'm looking forward to learning more. I'm hoping to find more than a few interesting illustrations, too. I'll be looking into this one on the 30th month.

Middle Grade Nonfiction

Every month, I have a few books 'in waiting' and really hope to squeeze them in at one point during the month. Since I am shorter on YA, this time, I happen to have one near the top of my pile, which I am looking forward to grabbing up. But when will I get to it? Who knows!

THE POET'S DAUGHTER

Starting in 1801, this read twists into the historical fiction direction and follows a teen as she's thrown into the world of finding a suitor. Well, obviously it's not her who makes this decision but her father. And that's the issue, since he's been using her poetry skills for his benefit. Throw in the approach of the French army and Napoleon's march into the Weimar Republic, and this, hopefully, will be a very engaging read.

And I have no idea when I'll get to experience this adventure, but I am determined to find the time.

Good Night Cowboy by Glenn Dromgoole

I'm sticking to bedtime reads for another day and have a sweet cowboy book, which should delight cowboy fans...oh, there is a partner one for cowgirls, but I decided to take a peek at this one for fun. Living in a rural area with cows and more than a few cow-peeps, this also swings in a direction which hits close to home.

So, grab those hats and boots, and lets see if this read can lead little cowboys to a peaceful slumber.

GOOD NIGHT COWBOY

by Glenn Dromgoole

Illustrated by Barbra Clack

Great Texas Line

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 4 to 8

As sleep comes, the little cowboy's happy heart bids good night to all in his world that has made his day safe and glad. Couplets in lullaby rhythm gently invite little ones to enter sleep, while original artwork guides them from the sweet-smelling cow pony nodding in the shed to the prairie grasses whispering.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON   /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Little cowboy fans view one familiar scene after the next and are invited to enjoy the calming atmosphere the entire way through.

There are two books which are a bit like partners, one for cowboys and one for cowgirls. So, both sides can have their fun. The cowboy book starts with hats and boots and, leads on with each page touching moments young cowboys will recognize and dream of. It goes through animals, weather, natural scenes, family, and more. From star-filled skies to colorful sunsets on the horizons, the book settles more and more into calming vibe until the last good night hits.

Each page offers a short, poetic phrase, which sticks directly to the illustration, making it great for more impatient (or tired) listeners. It flows from one moment to the next and creates a gentle atmosphere to lead to the good night, while hitting all of those things which make the cowboy life so inviting.

The illustrations are done with care and carry a more personal touch. The grainier texture gives it a soft appearance with slightly fuzzier lines, which invite to dreams. These invite listeners to gaze at them later on their own.

Bedtime Blitz! by Matthew Van Fleet

 It's flap book time! Today's read is for the youngest readers out there and has things to pull and watch. It centers around bedtime preparations but should pack humor too...don't you think by looking at it? I'm curious how much nonsense this will hold and how it will flow.

BEDTIME BLITZ!

by Matthew Van Fleet

Paula Wiseman Books

Board Book   /   Flap Book

22 pages

ages 0 to 3

COMING SEPTEMBER 3rd!!!

From #1 New York Times bestselling creator Matt Van Fleet comes an antic-filled novelty book starring a humorous cast of animals getting ready for bed!

It’s getting late, the sun’s almost set, and it’s time for bed! A group of frantic animal friends rush through their bedtime routine: taking a bath, putting on their pajamas, brushing their teeth, reading a story, and then finally putting their heads on the pillow and saying goodnight.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Bedtime gets a new level of fun with this read...and it's sure to become a favorite.

Already the animals on the front invite in with their friendly smiles and waves. Then, there's the first lever right on the cover. So, this one catches the attention right away. Bedtime preparations hit one by one, starting with a big bath full of animals (scrubbing away with bubbles and the next lever of motion) and ending with an exciting pillow fight. Still, it does settle for a last moment of calming vibes, which settle to dreams and sleep.

This is a very solid board book with levers made from plastic to make them extra strong. The moving images are placed behind a clear, plastic window to protect the moving parts and help them last longer. The levers work easily and click into place to keep them from easily ripping out and ruining the fun. That means it's not a light book, but I do appreciate the robust thoughts and enjoy how smoothly they work.

The movements aren't overly extreme but stay calm while promoting fun. There's always a sense of group fun thanks to the row of animals. The lighter coloring and simple lines fit well to the age group well.

The text is written in lyrical rhyme, which flows very nicely and leads through the scenes nicely. Only the last page didn't rhyme, which bothered me but not the kids. They enjoyed the book just the way it is and gave it an immediate 'again'.

And here he is...

Matthew Van Fleet’s innovative books have been introducing children to basic concepts for more than twenty years. His uniquely designed board books invite toddlers to touch, press, pull, lift, and even sniff as they explore colors, shapes, numbers, letters, opposites, and more. His New York Times bestselling titles include Cat, Heads, Alphabet, and Moo, as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Tails and Dog. His books have sold more than eight million copies and have been translated around the world. He lives with his family in New York. Visit him online at VanFleetBooks.com.

Via LaVie and the Secret Key by Scott Kyle, Karyn Langhorne, and Liv Kyle

One reason I love diving into a huge array of kidlit is that there are surprises. It's also a reason why I don't just review books coming out of publishing houses but also am open to those from independent authors. So, I get giddy when I discover a book like today's read.

This one is the second in the series, and as you probably already have guessed, I did not read the first but grabbed up the second (pesky habit). It's circles the life of a middle school girl and should hit themes of friendship, self-growth, and STEM. 

Let's just say that this one is worth a peek...yeah, this last thought comes after I read it.

VIA LAVIE 

AND THE SECRET KEY

by Scott G. Kyle, Karyn Langhorne and Liv Blu Kyle

Middle Grade Contemporary

284 pages

ages 8 to 12

Secrets?

Via LaVie's got plenty of them. There's her secret friendship with Molly Appleton and the secrets that made Tailor Madison her sworn enemy. She has secret conversations with the world-famous inventor, Dr. Carlotta Dekker and a secret diary, coded and hidden from the curious eyes of her brother, Kai. There are even secrets about the fate of her beloved Gran, missing for years and presumed dead. But the biggest secret of all is inside Via's own brain – and it's the one that she protects more than anything else. But then a surprise invitation to a special summer camp puts Via and Gran's secrets on a collision course. 

Via discovers that the truth is the key that unlocks her Gran's secrets – and all of Via's own. Via LaVie and the Secret Key is the exciting sequel to Via LaVie and the Friendship Code.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

This character packs tons of heart and just the right amount of zest to draw readers in to a never boring tale.

Via LaVie has received an invitation to STEM camp, and those who are invited are hand-picked. Even though this is a rare chance, she's not sure she wants to go...until she finds out that the snob of the school is going too. While camp promises tons of opportunities on the science end, Via knows that won't be the most daunting side. She has secrets... and friend-steering problems... and well, this might lead to more than she expected it would.

I did not read the first book in this series, which didn't prove to be a huge problem, but it would be better to start this one at the beginning thanks to the backstory. That said, this book surprised me. It is so well written and Via LaVie is a wonderful, middle grade girl. She's got tons of heart, is not exactly always sure of herself, but when things come down to it, she gives her all and then some. She's a tad bit silly, and her sudden thought directions add so much spice and humor. While there were moments where the dialogue felt a little mature for a character or two, everything else flows very well to the age group and sinks right into the wonder of real life. La Vie is a force to be reckoned with, sympathize with, and cheer for until the end.

There are, obviously, several meaningful messages in these pages, and they play along the plot with entertaining finesse. The ever-difficult roller coaster of friendship takes many ups and downs. Family relations are even more so and pack so much heart right along with the rocky slopes. Then, there's the path of learning more about ones self and the world around us (especially people wise). Via LaVie learns and grows, and that in a way which draws in with surprises, humor, and tons of middle grade fun.

And here they are...

Liv is a middle schooler who loves living life to the fullest. When not hangingA out with her friends, Liv enjoys learning Chinese, swimming and playing volleyball, mastering coding, giving public speeches, tutoring her peers, and making art.  

She is a cancer thriver who gives back to kids currently fighting the disease as an Ambassador for Rady Children’s Hospital. Liv developed a passion for reading and writing at a young age and can often be found making the world a better place by sharing her many discoveries with others.

Scott Kyle is the Chief Investment Officer at Coastwise Capital Group, LLC, a high-end money management firm based in La Jolla, CA. He is the author of four books including The Compound Code: An Expert Guide to Trading Stocks &  Options (www.thecompoundcode.com).   

Scott is a graduate from Harvard Business School, a two-time world champion in sailing, a third degree blackbelt in Shaolin Kempo, and an Ironman triathlon finisher.  Scott inherited his love of writing from his parents, both authors and educators throughout their lives. He lives with his wife, Victoria, and his two children, Jet and Liv, a short bike ride away from the beach in San Diego.

Karyn Langhorne Folan is the author of 40 books of fiction and nonfiction, many of them for tweens and teens. Karyn is a lifelong reader and learner, who likes books about science and history, as well as anything with zombies! When she is not writing, she is probably reading! 

She lives in Maryland with her husband and an unfriendly cat named Toka. Her grown-up daughters live nearby and she is hoping to become a grandmother soon! 

Happy Book Birthday, The Unseen King by Allison Anderson!

I have another book birthday to shout out! Now, if there was only cake each time this happened, too. 

Today's read is the third in a series, and nope, I haven't read the first two...so that should be interesting. It seems to circle the combined world of Olympus gods and the realm of the fae. Which will be an interesting mix. It's been doing well, and I haven't hit this type of fantasy for awhile. So, I'm excited to dive in.

THE UNSEEN KING

The Cartographer's War, Book Three

by Allison Anderson

Oliver Heber Books

YA Fantasy

380 pages

Prince Aiden is gone. Taken. Kidnapped by the fae and portalled to only the Goddess knows where. And Penny Barclay is determined to find him.

With a pack on her back and Aiden’s trusty dog at her side, Penny rushes headfirst into Faerie—the world she’d always dreamed of but never thought she’d see. At first, the magical kingdom is mystical and fantastic, but as Penny journeys deeper into the seasonal Courts, she discovers that some magic is not to be trifled with and her childhood fantasies were just that, fantasies. It will take all of Penny’s strength and ingenuity to find Aiden and bring him back to Olympia.

When Aiden wakes in a new world, all he can think of is getting back to Penelope and his family in Olympia. After the death of the High Queen at the hands of the rebellion, Aiden finds himself trapped by magic he doesn’t understand in a kingdom of fae that would rather fight one another than face the approaching enemy. Becoming High King of a folk he’d never even met may be the Goddess’s worst idea yet. But when he meets a family of fae that have insights to his past and his magic, he has to decide whether to embrace this new life or return to Penelope to find the life they promised each other.

Separated by enemies and friends alike, Penny and Aiden must adapt to this new kingdom and help the fae fight off the rebels or find themselves trapped in a land on the brink of destruction.

GOODREADS   /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Rich characters and a well-thought-out world make this a novel to get lost in and leave with the wish that book four was already ready to snatch up and dive into too.

I did not read the first two books in the series, and yet, it wasn't too hard to get lost in this story. While there is obvious backstory missing, it's not too hard to fill in the pieces as the story follows Aiden and Penny in the realm of the fae as they each struggle with their own journey. Both characters are easy to connect with and root for, and the world is a treat to experience. I'm going to try to review this without giving any spoilers for anyone wanting to start this series from the beginning.

The book is told from two points of view (I think completely...hmmm...). Anyway, Aiden is separate from Penny, and while they think of each other a lot, each one has their hands full with their very own path. Usually, I find one character more interesting than the other, and end up flipping through one of the sides faster when their chapter comes up. This time, both were equally grabbing. Aiden gets a bit more story time as he's facing the biggest life-flip and needs to get his entire foundation of life clear. Penny, on the other hand, is battling her way through, discovering new friends, defeating evil creatures, and coming up against harsh issues on the action end. It creates a nice balance between character depth and fast-paced scenes to make the entire story fly by and hard to put down. 

My biggest disappointment was the end. It's a cliff-hanger with a huge to-be-continued. While I'm not a huge fan of that (especially when it hits book three), I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I am curious to see what will happen next. 

Happy Book Birthday, The Disappearance of White Pine Beach by Danielle McKechnie!

I'm shouting this birthday out a day early, but let's get the party started anyway! (I do love a celebration) With October slowly rolling in...could it roll in faster? (Sorry, I'm a cool weather girl)...today's read seems to slide in with the promise of monsterly fun. I'm not sure it will be spooky, but rather, it probably heads toward adventure. But let's find out!

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WHITE PINE BEACH

Otto Normal's Monsterton

by Danielle McKechnie

Illustrated by Simon Estrada

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Paranormal   /   Graphic Novel

432 pages

ages 8 to 12

Otto Normal and his mom have moved to Monsterton, but there’s one problem —t hey’re not monsters. In this first book of the hauntingly beautiful and highly illustrated  Monsterton series, Otto and his friends embark on a journey to find the legendary White Pine Beach. But the friends find much more than they bargained for when one of their own goes missing . . . possibly forever.

In this hauntingly delightful and highly illustrated tale, eleven-year-old Otto and his mom move to Monsterton, a gorgeous island on the border of the Belcarra forest and a mysterious place called The Dark. Monsterton is picturesque and beautiful; it's an idyllic place for monsters to be themselves. There's Hamish and his brother Ben, who have been created and sewn together by their pirate father; the royal vampires, Red and Rose, who are followed around by their dutiful guards; Remi, a ghost girl who can appear and disappear at will; Darby, a quiet girl made entirely of slime; and Luck, a zombie who always she thinks she's right. In Monsterton, each monster can be themselves. They are free to be as scaly, slimy, or scary as nature intended.

There's only one teeny, tiny problem. Otto and his mom aren't monsters.

As a human, Otto feels that he has to prove himself. After all, as Remi the ghost girl reminds him, he's so fragile . Along with Otto's new friends Hamish, Darby, and Luck, the group sets out to find the legendary White Pine Beach—a beach so mysterious, it's rumored to jump locations, never staying in the same place for too long. But what the ragtag team of monsters (and one human) discovers is far more mysterious than a location-jumping beach. And when one of their number doesn't return home with them . . . rumors swirl.

Can Otto find his new friend, fit in with the monsters, and stay true to himself? And what does a lost strix, a bird-girl living as an outcast in Belcarra, know?

This spooky, delightful, and charming full-color, highly illustrated novel is perfect for fans of  Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children  and  Five Nights at Freddy's.  Debut author Danielle McKechnie weaves compelling lore and storytelling with delightful characters brought to life by illustrator Simón Estrada. 

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

This read is a recipe for adventure and fun, and it steers the mix nicely.

Otto's life is a bit rough since is father died, but when his mother spends more time than usual speaking to a stranger only to announce they're moving and heading off to an adventure...well, he's a bit overwhelmed. Especially when this move includes boarding a ship, falling off the edge of the water, and landing at a place where only monsters live. Yeah, not what any kid would expect. But these monsters are friendlier than expect (some, anyway), although life has grown more than a little strange. There are secrets everywhere, surprises at every turn, and more danger than ever existed in the normal world. When one of them goes missing...well, it's time to dive into the darker side, and that won't be as fun.

This is such a lovely read! It takes the popular gothic-ish, monsterly direction of middle-grade life, adds the usual dab of quirky humor, odd friendships, and mysteries, and then, ups the entire thing to a new level with a grabbing format. When I picked this one up, I was expecting a graphic novel. While I wasn't completely wrong, this isn't that. Rather, it's a melding of a middle grade novel with graphic novel like pages when things getting really tense and tons of illustrations, carefully added color schemes, and attention to fonts. Add the message of friendship, going beyond comfort zones, and a touch of family ties, and it's an enjoyable read.

While there are messages, this read is more about adventure and friendship. It switches POV between the various group members, allowing each one to gain some connection to the reader. Plus, the mysteries don't only surround the adventure, but also go into the characters and their own backgrounds. It doesn't go overly deep, though, into emotions and thought in a way which would scare away more impatient readers. Rather, the pacing stays high and keeps the mix with the monsterly side at the forefront...and adds humor, too.

The graphics are well thought out and pay close attention to the atmosphere of the read. The color schemes alter not only in the illustrated scenes, but also add background to the book-style text to enhance the feel when necessary to really let the reader sink in. It creates a grabbing, reader experience from beginning to end.

And here she is...

 Danielle McKechnie is a debut children's book author from Vancouver, BC. After studying at Circle in the Square Theatre School, Danielle moved to Los Angeles, CA and transitioned to behind-the-scenes where she worked throughout the entertainment industry in film, television, traditional radio, and live entertainment. Danielle now lives in her hometown of Vancouver with her husband and two daughters.

A Day With Mousse by Claire Lebourg

A DAY WITH MOUSSE

by Claire Lebourg

Translated by Sophie Lewis

Transit Children's Editions

Children's Fiction  /  Early Readers

88 pages

ages 4 to 10

COMING...

OCTOBER 8th!!!

In a new series for early readers, Mousse receives an unexpected visit—and forms an unlikely friendship.

Mousse loves his solitary life by the sea. In the mornings, he strolls on the beach to take in the fresh air. He swims in the cool water. And he waits for the tide to bring him the day’s small treasures. Today, however, a visitor comes ashore in his living room, a truly unexpected visitor. A creature named Barnacle . . .

In this delightfully illustrated picture book for early readers, Claire Lebourg depicts the unexpected pleasures in helping others and finding friendship in unexpected places.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The magic of going beyond the comfort zone to help someone else comes across in a heart-warming tale.

Mousse loves his life along the beach. He watches the waves, collects shells and such to sell, and can do what he wants all day long. One day, someone is sitting in his favorite chair and Mr. Barnacle refuses to leave, which means Mousse has to throw him out...which works great until Barnacle returns and needs help.

Mousse is a bit unique but soon grows on the heart, and by the end, he's a mouse a reader will wish they knew themselves. His life on the beach is peaceful and clam, but the author tosses in enough curious details into the illustrations to catch and hold curiosity. Soon, life on the beach seems wonderful, and exactly at this moment, the first problem sets in. Readers will easily understand Mousse's frustration, even if his actions seem a bit harsh. It's this sharp edge of conflict, which draws in and keeps those pages turning to figure out how everything will work out. There's a message, but it doesn't overwhelm the plot and allows the story to unfold in an engaging way.

This is great for those readers, who are mostly sure of their words but don't want to dive into thickish books constantly. The text is kept relatively short, allowing the illustrations to hold as much of the tale as the words. It creates a read, which isn't overwhelming to new readers, while offering a wonderful tale full of warmth and unexpected friendship.

Puppy Tales: Hello, Baby! by Gigi O'Dea

 Some days, pure cuteness is as needed as a breath of fresh air. Today's read looks like it should be stuffed to the gills with the sweetness. This is one of three books, which centers around puppies and promises tons of adorable photos.

Let's take a peek!

PUPPY TALES:

HELLO, BABY!

by Gigi O'Dea

Gigi Fine Art Portraits

Picture Book

ages 2 to 6

A Photographic Storybook about Discovery & Making Friends.

Millie, the puppy, is embarking on an exciting adventure to meet a variety of babies, just like her! As she explores this new world, she finds both similarities and differences between human babies and dog babies, teaching us all that it's okay to do things differently.

Through playful exploration and shared adventures, Millie learns that babies and puppies alike find joy in the simplest of pleasures, whether it's chewing a teether or engaging in playful activities, these moments highlight the unique perspectives of each.

Authored by the talented Master Photographer and Master Artist Gigi O’Dea, Puppy Tales: Hello Baby is a heartwarming story that celebrates the magic of friendship, curiosity, and the joy of discovery. It is a keepsake that leaves readers with the warm glow of innocence in their hearts, making it the perfect addition to any family library.

Don't miss out on the cuteness—dive into Puppy Tales: Hello, Baby! and rediscover the universal wonders of babyhood with Millie and her adorable baby friends!

    GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Adorable moments mixed with artistic flair draw in with familiarity and fun.

This is one of three books in a set and centers around a puppy named Millie. Each page offers a photo of Millie as she interacts with a baby...or the baby interacts with her. The scenes are thoughtfully put together, and while staged, also let the interactions flow freely to add the touch of spontaneity which gives humor, emotions, and heart. A short text steers listeners to familiar situations to build a simple, emotional connection to what's happening. 

While these aren't complex scenes, the simplicity speaks volumes. Each photo concentrates on the actions and emotions of the portrayed babies and Millie. Young listeners will automatically connect with the children, and see actions and behaviors from their own lives (crawling, building blocks, etc). Millie comes across as a puppy to hug, snuggle, and play with. It adds tons of positivity and warmth...as well, as inspires to the lovely relationship puppies can bring.

It's an adorable read, but it's the photos which make this book, and it's fun to flip through those and smile and sigh with each one.

And here she is...

Gigi O’Dea is an international award-winning photographer best known for her creative, fine-art style and powerful storytelling portraits. A Master Photographer and Master Artist, she has been awarded Photographer and Artist of the Year at the local, state, and national levels. Gigi has over 20 years of professional experience photographing newborns, children, families, and pets in her Florida studio and around the USA.

She first discovered her love for being behind the camera when she became a mother and adopted her oldest child in 2002. A 20-year background in neonatal intensive care nursing gave her a special talent for working with newborns and babies, which boosted her photography from a hobby into a business and eventually her full-time career. Her abundant love for all babies, including kittens and puppies, sparked her creativity to create a photographic storybook for children to share her art and passion with others. In 2023, she welcomed Millie, a Cavapoo puppy, into her home, and saw her goal of becoming a children’s book author come to life.

Miles Morales Untangles a Web by Terrance Crawford

 

AFTER-SCHOOL HEROES:

MILES MORALES UNTANGLES A WEB

by Terrance Crawford

Illustrated by Dave Bardin

Simon Spotlight

Chapter Book

64 pages

ages 6 to 10

COMING...

AUGUST 27th!!!

Miles Morales is on the case in this original Marvel chapter book with black-and-white illustrations throughout!

Miles Morales loves spending time at the new center that Tony Stark has just opened. There, he and other kids can take classes, play sports, and even work on art projects. Which is exactly what Miles is doing when he discovers that someone is trying to steal top-secret files from the Stark Center. Luckily, King T’Challa and his sister Shuri are in New York, and Shuri is just the tech genius who can help Miles save the day. Can this team identify and capture the villain before the Stark Center is completely destroyed? Miles is determined to untangle this web in this chapter book that’s perfect for Marvel fans beginning to read on their own or for reading aloud! © 2024 MARVEL.™

GOODREADS    /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Superhero and action fans are going to enjoy experiencing an exciting adventure while working on their word skills.

Miles Morales is excited to present his art project to the others, but finds that his files have gone missing. When others experience the same problem, he's sure a hacker is to blame but isn't sure how to go about locating them. Luckily King T'Challa's sister catches wind of the situation and just happens to be at hand to help with the issue. Together, they lay a trap, but what lands in their web is something much larger than they expected.

This is the first in a new series of small chapter books for beginning readers. Anyone who knows the 'new' Spiderman, Miles Morales, will already have an idea about where this will head. There isn't any backstory, so pre-knowledge of the character is a little helpful, but it isn't necessary to enjoy this tale, either. The setting and situation is familiar enough for any Marvel knower to dive right in. And this one does have a quick moving plot, which is perfect for the age group.

The adventure holds all the goodness expected of a superhero tale, keeping the tension high, the tech savvy, and the villains difficult to beat. Still, it's nothing overly harsh, either, and stays in the range of the intended age group. The writing flows nicely and keeps the pacing high. There are several more difficult vocabulary words built in, which pushes those skills along...but considering the fun the story provides, even reluctant readers probably won't shy away quickly. The dialogue is natural, and there are just enough descriptions as needed to move the story along. The rest is carried by the energetic illustrations, which take over the atmosphere and help readers along nicely.

It's a fun beginning to what promises to be an exciting series...and at this first glance, promises to keep readers engaged to work those skills.

The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan

The Legendary Mo Seto

by A.Y. Chan

August 20-23

Middle-grade

Aladdin   /   Book on Amazon

A fast-paced, high-kicking debut that’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets Stand Up,

 Yumi Chung as a young taekwondo artist uses an ancient book to help save her dreams—

and her father.

Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Even though her mom disapproves, Mo can always count on her dad, who is her number one fan and biggest supporter. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. Mo can’t even lean on her dad like usual with how distracted he’s been lately.

When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this her chance to prove to her dad, to the world, and to herself that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size. Unfortunately, Dax is auditioning, too. As Mo and her nemesis progress to callbacks, someone attempts to sabotage the movie set and Mo’s dad disappears—and both events seem linked to a mysterious book, the Book of Joy.

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MY TIDBITS

Action mixes with determination and heart to form an exciting adventure from beginning to end.  And yes, this one is hitting my possible favorites of the year list.

Mo loves taekwondo, and while she's always excelled, she can't seem to beat one person, Dax. While she once out-did him, he's grown and become so much larger than her puny 4'6". Gosh, she hates being short. Add that her mother is constantly badgering her to try something else, and she's more than frustrated. Her biggest supporter, her dad, isn't there for her either, especially when he takes off for a company emergency and doesn't even respond when she informs him that she's trying out for a movie role to play alongside the most amazing action star ever! Mom doesn't know anything about this, but Mo is determined and pretty good at being sneaky. Until she learns that they only want people over 5 feet tall...and Dax is there, too. Somehow, she's going to seal this role, even if it's basically impossible.

This is such a fun read! It surrounds Mo, who is at odds with her height and doesn't seem to get support from almost anyone. The feeling of inadequacy and not being satisfied with ones' own appearance is something which will ring true with almost every reader in some way. Luckily, this struggle, while propelling the plot, doesn't overburden it, either. Mo is amazing character with a heroine heart, and that brings her from one tense scene to the next. It never talks down to readers, but lets them sink into an exciting tale with danger, amazing fight scenes, and high stakes. It is hard to put down and promises unexpected twists and turns the entire way through. Action fans and martial art enjoyers are going to like this one.

A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

https://www.aychanwrites.com

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Certified Middle-Grade Reviewer

KittyBerry Approved

Stephen King: His Life, Work, and Influences by Bev Vincent

Hello! Maybe, some of you have noticed that I haven't been posting these rambles before the posts lately. Well, we were hit by two, pretty big storms last week, which not only fried my transformer (stupid lightening) but took out my Starlink in the process. It's dead, dead. Then, our road was completely destroyed...as in only back-packing in and out for about 5-6 days. So, life isn't quite as easy at the moment. I do hope to have the internet restored sometime next week, but until then, it's off to town, again, to sit at the local fast food place and type away. 

So, I thank you for your patience!

STEPHEN KING:

His Life, Work, and Infuences

by Bev Vincent

Becker & Meyer Kids

YA Biography

300 pages

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 3rd!!!

A thrilling visual companion curated for young adults voraciously reading their way through Stephen King’s colossal corpus of creepy books.

For many young readers, when the last page of Goosebumps is turned, the first chapter of Pet Sematary begins, and a world of terror crafted by Stephen King is revealed. His novels are as fascinating as his life, and in this ultimate illustrated guidebook, young readers explore the cultural phenomenon and legacy of the King of Horror.

From scare-seeking child to impoverished university student to struggling schoolteacher to one of the best-selling—and most recognizable—authors of all time, this engrossing book reveals the evolution and influences of Stephen King’s body of work over his nearly 50-year career, and how the themes of his writing reflect the changing times and events within his life.

With tons of photos, approachable bite-size sections, and gripping details to captivate young readers, the book takes an extensive look into Stephen King’s books, short stories, writings, movies, series, and other adaptations ideal for the young reader to review. Exclusive memorabilia from Stephen King, including personal and professional correspondences, handwritten manuscript pages, book covers, movie stills, and a never-before-seen excerpts from his poems. Personal insights and observations such as real-life settings that inspired King’s writing, the editor who discovered him, his life as a Boston Red Sox fan, and the many awards and honors he has received. Motivating quotes from King from interviews over the decades.

“My childhood was pretty ordinary, except from a very early age I wanted to be scared…there was a radio program at the time called Dimension X, and my mother didn’t want me to listen to that because she felt it was too scary for me, so I would creep out of bed and go to the bedroom door and crack it open. And she loved it, so apparently, I got it from her, but I would listen at the door and then when the program was over, I’d go back to bed and quake.” —Stephen King
 
Young adults will covet this comprehensive yet accessible reference to their favorite horror author.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Fans of Stephen King or those who simply want to learn more about him, will find a treasure chest of information and insights in these pages and that in an engaging way.

This book starts at the beginning of Stephen King's career and follows each work he's released. Along the way, his life at the time the book was written or published comes to light...as well as interesting information surrounding each book. It takes a peek not only at his personal life, to a certain extent, but some of his thoughts, influences, struggles, and experiences. It hits the emotional and practical side of writing. This isn't a writing guide, but rather, recounts the experiences he had during the release of all of these works...both the good and the bad.

I did appreciate that the timeline flows with the release of his various tales. It keeps a close bond to him as a writer, without feeling like a personal life story or like a writer's how-to, either. Instead, it keeps the attention on his stories while exposing everything that went into them...or the things happening around that time which added influence. And it's entertaining. The writing doesn't over-exaggerate, nor does it fall into the danger of becoming dry. This makes it very engaging for the intended age group (and adults as well).

I do recommend this not only for Stephen King fans but also for class themes surrounding his works. Plus, it works great for usual, curious readers.